Newcastle star Dane Gagai will remain in the Hunter for at least one more season despite reports last week that the veteran felt “disrespected” over an apparent pay cut request.
The one-year deal signed on Tuesday puts an end to what had threatened to become an ugly saga for the Knights amid claims the 34-year-old was willing to walk out on the club.
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Earlier this year Gagai told media “I’ll leave if I have to” after the Knights didn’t activate his reported $400,000 contract option for next season. Instead, it’s believed Gagai was asked to take a $100,000 pay cut.
But such is his popularity with Knights supporters than fans began a petition to keep Gagai at the club.
Respected Newcastle Herald journalist Barry Toohey reported that Gagai felt “taken for granted” at a time his family was settled into life in the Hunter.
“The disrespect is the biggest thing. I know Adz [coach Adam O’Brien] still wants me around. He’s made me captain so I must be doing something right,” he told the publication earlier this month.
But the contract stalemate came to an end on Tuesday and now the 300-game veteran will go on for a 16th NRL season.
“Everyone knows Dane brings experience and competitiveness to every contest, every day,” Knights head of recruitment Peter O’Sullivan said.
“He has worked really hard for his extension, his tenacity to never give up and willingness to play in any position, especially through extenuating circumstances, shows his true character.
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“Dane possesses a wonderful ability to share the experience he has amassed over 309 NRL games, including 211 for the Knights, with the young emerging players, he demands excellence from them, whilst instilling them with confidence to succeed.”
Even rival coach Ricky Stuart weighed in on Gagai’s contract standoff when speaking after his side’s 44-18 win over the Knights last weekend.
“You look at Dane Gagai and he’d be the first player I would re-sign,” Stuart said after the game.
“He was by far the hungriest, best player out there tonight.
“He just never stopped trying – that builds teams.”
Gagai has been a shining light for the Knights this season at full back in star Kalyn Ponga’s absence.
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